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Kobe Bryant won’t play against Sacramento

Despite nursing a sprained left ankle and flu-like symptoms, Kobe Bryant won’t play when the Lakers host the Sacramento Kings tonight at Staples Center.

“We’re trying to impress that it needs to be 100 percent,” Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni said. The games coming up are important, but if’he’s not 100 [percent], he needs to take it easy.”

Bryant received treatment on Saturday, but the Lakers said afterward he still felt considerable pain and swelling in his ankle. He lasted only a quarter in the Lakers’ win Friday against Indiana after struggling to put pressure on the ankle. Bryant also didn’t participate in Sunday’s morning shootaround.

Lakers reserve guard Jodie Meeks will start in Bryant’s place. Bryant is also considered doubtful when the Lakers play Monday in Phoenix. The Lakers then don’t play until Friday against Washington.

The Lakers (35-32) have only a half-game edge over the Utah Jazz (34-32) for the eighth playoff spot.

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